Outline

Objective

To determine the gene expression encoding for important components of the fibrinolytic system in serum-free cultured pigmented ciliary epithelial cells of the porcine eye.

Methods

Total mRNA of confluent primary cultures of porcine ciliary epithelial cells was isolated after 48 hours of serum-free cultivation. For each component of the fibrinolytic system reverse transcribed mRNA was measured by real time polymerase chain reaction (TaqManÂ® PCR) with primers and probes deduced from the human genes.

Conclusions

We localized the gene expression of important components of the fibrinolytic system in cultured porcine pigmented ciliary epithelial cells. PAI-1 and TAFI are main regulators of the fibrinolytic system. Both inhibitors reduce plasminogen activity and attenuate fibrinolysis and proteolysis. In addition, PAI-1 leads to decreased dissolution of extracellular matrix. Therefore, stimulation of PAI-1 and TAFI production may be involved in intraocular inflammation, wound healing processes and perhaps in the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma.